J&J trims neuroscience pipeline – seltorexant in Alzheimer’s disease dropped

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has made significant adjustments to its neuroscience pipeline, announcing the discontinuation of several clinical programs. One of the most notable changes involves the Phase II study evaluating seltorexant in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. This move has raised eyebrows in the pharmaceutical industry, sparking questions about the future of this promising compound and the broader implications for J&J's commitment to neuroscience research.

A Promising Compound with Uncertain Future

Seltorexant, a selective orexin-2 receptor agonist, had been touted as one of J&J's most promising candidates in neuroscience. Earlier this year, it yielded positive outcomes in a Phase III trial as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by insomnia symptoms. The drug's potential was so high that forecasts predicted peak sales ranging from $1 billion to $5 billion, primarily based on its approval for depression rather than Alzheimer's disease.

However, despite these encouraging results, J&J has decided to discontinue the Phase II trial assessing seltorexant in individuals with likely Alzheimer's disease. This decision has left many in the medical community wondering about the future of this drug and whether it will still achieve blockbuster status.

The Impact on Neuroscience Research

The discontinuation of seltorexant is part of a broader trend at J&J, where the company is trimming its neuroscience pipeline by cutting two Phase II programs and one Phase I asset. This reduction affects various areas within the company's portfolio, with the neuroscience sector facing the most significant impact.

J&J's spokesperson mentioned that the company routinely prioritizes programs in its portfolio to ensure the delivery of medicines to those in need. However, the specific reasons behind the discontinuation of seltorexant's Alzheimer’s trial remain unclear. The status of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was updated on ClinicalTrials.gov in March, shifting from 'recruiting' to 'completed'.

Other Neuroscience Programs Affected

Beyond seltorexant, J&J has also discontinued other neuroscience programs. For instance:

• JNJ-0376: A Phase I treatment for Parkinson's disease, which was briefly mentioned in a 2023 presentation concerning early-stage neuroscience pipeline targets featuring 'novel mechanisms' for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
• JNJ-55308942: A P2X7 antagonist being evaluated in patients with bipolar disorder experiencing a major depressive episode. This randomized Phase II trial included 116 participants and was marked as 'completed' in July.
• JNJ1459: An early-stage psoriasis candidate that has been discontinued.

These reductions coincide with J&J's announcement of robust financial results, particularly in the oncology sector. Sales of oncology medications surged by nearly 19%, with the myel treatment Daralex (umab hyalidaseihj) contributing significantly. This immunotherapy product generated over $3 billion, aiding the pharmaceutical giant in achieving a year-over-year growth of 5.2%.

Implications and Future Directions

The discontinuation of seltorexant’s Alzheimer’s trial raises doubts about J&J's ambitious expectations for the drug. Despite its positive outcomes in depression trials, the company’s decision suggests that the current data may not be sufficient to support its approval for Alzheimer’s disease.

GlobalData projects that seltorexant sales will reach $610 million by 2030, a significant reduction from initial forecasts. This underscores the challenges and complexities involved in drug development, particularly in the neurodegenerative space.

J&J’s neuroscience portfolio has seen significant changes, indicating a strategic realignment within the company. This move could signal a shift towards more promising candidates or a broader focus on other therapeutic areas.

Conclusion

Johnson & Johnson’s decision to trim its neuroscience pipeline, including the discontinuation of seltorexant’s Alzheimer’s trial, sends a clear signal about the company’s priorities. While it remains uncertain whether seltorexant will achieve its predicted sales figures, the drug’s positive results in depression trials remain a beacon of hope.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, companies like J&J must navigate complex landscapes to deliver effective treatments. The discontinuation of seltorexant serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties involved in drug development, highlighting the need for continuous innovation and strategic decision-making.

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References https://endpts.com/jj-trims-pipeline-including-two-mid-stage-neuroscience-studies/ https://finance.yahoo.com/news/j-j-trims-neuroscience-pipeline-200426323.html https://www.investor.jnj.com/pipeline/development-pipeline/default.aspx

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This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of J&J's decision to discontinue seltorexant's Alzheimer’s trial, highlighting the broader implications for its neuroscience research. By examining the context and potential reasons behind this move, we gain insight into the complexities of drug development and the strategic decisions made by pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson.